History
There is ten thousand years of culture and architecture, with every inch steeped with history and the ever changing landscapes full of archaeological sites, makes every area of Cyprus an archaeologist’s heaven.
Few countries can boast the course of their existence over 10.000 years, when approximately 8.000 B.C. the island of Cyprus was already inhabited. The island’s strategic position, its copper deposits and its timber attracted the first Greeks who came to the island over 3.000 years ago at the end of the Trojan wars.
They settled down bringing with them and establishing the Greek identity, language and civilisation.
Over the centuries Cyprus came under the sway of various rulers including Alexander the Great, the Romans, Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, before Cyprus became part of the Byzantine Empire. Later, followed the Crusaders, the Frankish Lusignans, Venetians, Ottomans and lastly, the British. Cyprus was and will always be coveted by many.
Cyprus in 1960 won its independence for the first time in 3.500 years. Although Cyprus has retained the Greek identity of language and culture The Island is full of history and architecture of something of all who have passed through.
The only cloud is that the Island has been divided since July 1974 when Turkey invaded Cyprus. Turkish troops illegally occupy 37% of the island in the North who acted in violation of all principles governing international relations.
Since Cyprus accession to the European Union steps are being taken for reunification. A slow process, but one that can be achieved.